Conclusions from a study conducted in the UK on the health impact of using mobile telephones were released today. The Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme (MTHR) undertook the study as part of its 2007 report.

The study concluded that there was no evidence linking short-term mobile phone use to brain cancer. Tests performed on volunteers in the study showed that brain function was not affected by mobile phone signals or signals used by emergency agencies. The MTHR says that the results are definitive enough that no further research is needed into this area.

Part of the study included what is called the largest and most robust study of electrical hypersensitivity undertaken anywhere in the world. No evidence was found that any unpleasant symptoms experienced by sufferers are a result of exposure to mobile phone signals or from cellular towers.

Further results in the study showed after investigation that mobile phones have no affect on cells other than heating them. Longer-term exposure to mobile phone signals still warrants more research in the opinion of the study because a limited number of study participants had used a mobile phone for more than 10 years.

Further studies by the MTHR also confirmed that the use of mobile phones while driving using hands-free devices or simply holding the phone caused no more impairment on the part of the driver than any other in-car distractions.

"We can't expect users to use common sense. That would eliminate the need for all sorts of legislation, committees, oversight and lawyers." -- Christopher Jennings